[CQ-Contest] Hamvention Opens Gates on Sunday - breaking news

[Tim Duffy]

Those who have wondered what brings about 30,000 amateur radio operators to the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio, in May will have a chance to see for themselves at no cost this year.

Jack Gerbs, WB8SCT,2019 Hamvention General Chairman, said, "We have decided to open the doors to Hamvention  to the public on Sunday, May 19, without buying a ticket. This will make it a little easier and cheaper for someone with just a little interest in Hamvention to see what all the excitement is about."

In addition to the amateur radio equipment which attracts all the ham radio operators, there are also vendors selling a variety of other electronic equipment including computers and accessories, security devices networking supplies, tools and many other items of interest to the general public. Those visiting the flea market area will be surprised at what's available, often at a small fraction of its original cost.

The chairman said that Sunday is Hamvention's lightest traffic day, making it convenient for anyone who just wants check out what's there. Many vendors have final day specials on a variety of items.  The many food trucks offer a wide selection of menus, providing residents with a chance to make Hamvention 2019 a family outing.  


Hamvention hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. While some parking will be available at the fairgrounds, much of it is weather dependent. Visitors are urged to use one of the remote lots with free shuttles. They are located at Hobson Freedom Park, 2910 Trebein Road, Fairborn, OH 45325; Xenia High School, 303 Kinsey Road, Xenia, 45383; Warner Middle School' 600 Buckskin Trail, Xenia, OH, 45385 and Xenia Towne Square, 84 Xenia Towne Square, Xenia, OH, 45385. Buses run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.


Anyone wanting to receive current information on a cell phone during Hamvention about traffic, parking, weather conditions and other facts affecting the event is encouraged to sign up for the text alerts by texting Hamvention19 to 888777. Thanks to Greene County Sheriff Gene Fischer, KX8GCS, for making the alerts possible again this year.